1. Bachus & Schanker, LLC
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, bus accidents, pedestrian accidents, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, medical malpractice, premises liability, slip and fall accidents, workers’ compensation, employment law, and sexual assault victim representation.
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions of all types, rear-end accidents, intersection crashes, highway pileups, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving crashes, commercial vehicle accidents, hit-and-run incidents, catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, amputations, and wrongful death claims arising from fatal car accidents.
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, evidence gathering and accident investigation, police report acquisition, witness interviewing, liability determination, medical expense documentation, lost wage calculation, pain and suffering claims, settlement negotiation, civil litigation, jury trial representation, mock trial preparation, and appellate advocacy.
Background: Bachus & Schanker was established in 1996 in Denver, Colorado and has recovered over $1 billion for clients. Founding partners Kyle Bachus and Darin Schanker have each achieved Super Lawyers 20-year milestone recognition. The firm maintains multiple offices across Colorado including Aurora, Denver, Englewood, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins. The firm is recognized by Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, National Trial Lawyers Top 100, 5280 Top Lawyers Denver, Rue Ratings Best Attorneys of America, American Association for Justice Leaders Forum, Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, Expertise Best Car Accident Lawyers in Colorado Springs, and Distinguished Counsel. The firm utilizes an in-house mock trial room for case preparation and employs a Victims’ Advocate group for catastrophic injury, sexual assault, and wrongful death victims.
Location: 13700 East Alameda Avenue, Aurora, CO 80012
Contact: (303) 222-2222 | https://www.coloradolaw.net/aurora/
Consultation: Free consultation with no upfront fees; contingency fee basis (no fee unless case is won); available 24/7.
2. Lee, Myers & O’Connell, LLP
Practice Focus: Personal injury, car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, aviation accidents, slip and fall accidents, defective products, and wrongful death claims.
Case Types Handled: Auto collisions, commercial truck crashes, motorcycle wrecks, bicycle-vehicle accidents, pedestrian incidents, rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, T-bone accidents, rollover accidents, and wrongful death cases arising from motor vehicle fatalities.
Legal Services: Insurance company communication and negotiation, evidence collection, accident investigation, police report analysis, witness interviewing, medical records coordination, demand letter preparation, settlement negotiation, civil litigation, trial representation, and wrongful death claim coordination.
Background: The firm has more than three decades of experience handling personal injury cases. The attorney team includes John T. O’Connell, Sanghun Lee, and Brett Myers. The firm provides multilingual services in English, Korean, Spanish, and French, with additional services available in Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Mongolian, Vietnamese, Amharic, Tigrinya, and Persian. The firm holds recognition from Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, National Trial Lawyers, Best Attorneys of America, Lawyers of Distinction, Top American Lawyers, Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys, Keenan Trial Institute, American Association for Justice, Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, American Bar Association, Hawaii State Bar Association, and Better Business Bureau accreditation. The firm prepares every case for trial to maximize negotiation leverage.
Location: 2851 South Parker Road, 3rd Floor, Suite 320, Aurora, CO 80014
Contact: (303) 632-7172 | https://lmoclaw.com/
Consultation: Free case review; no fees unless compensation is recovered; contingency fee arrangement.
3. Cave Law
Practice Focus: Personal injury law with focus on car accidents, truck and big rig accidents, motorcycle accidents, bus accidents, pedestrian accidents, rideshare accidents, bicycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, animal bites, insurance bad faith claims, wrongful death, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
Case Types Handled: Auto collisions, commercial truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, bus accidents, rideshare (Uber/Lyft) accidents, pedestrian accidents, animal attacks, catastrophic injury cases including spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death claims from motor vehicle fatalities.
Legal Services: Insurance claim filing and negotiation, evidence gathering, accident scene investigation, liability determination, medical expense documentation, lost wage calculations, pain and suffering claims, insurance bad faith litigation, settlement negotiation, civil litigation, and trial representation.
Background: Cave Law focuses exclusively on personal injury cases. Attorney Jeremy Cave leads the firm and is authorized by the Supreme Court to practice law in all courts in the State of Colorado, the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, and the United States Supreme Court. All attorneys at the firm are authorized by the Supreme Court to practice law in the State of Colorado and the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. The office is located near I-225 and Parker Road in Aurora. The firm offers home visits for clients who cannot travel to the office.
Location: Aurora, Colorado (near I-225 and Parker Road)
Contact: Contact via website | https://cavelawyer.com/
Consultation: Free consultation; contingency fee basis.
4. Gama Law Firm LLC
Practice Focus: Personal injury with concentration on car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, rideshare accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, and premises liability.
Case Types Handled: All types of motor vehicle collisions including rear-end accidents, T-bone crashes, head-on collisions, multi-vehicle pileups, commercial truck accidents (semi tractor-trailers, dump trucks, cement mixers, UPS/FedEx delivery trucks), rideshare accidents, and pedestrian accidents.
Legal Services: Personal injury claim investigation, property damage claim coordination, medical expense recovery, lost wage documentation, loss of earning capacity claims, pain and suffering claims, insurance negotiation, settlement negotiation, civil litigation, and trial representation.
Background: The firm is led by the father-son team of Joe Gama and Richard Gama, who bring over 70 years of combined experience in personal injury law. Joe Gama is a former Superior Court Judge with extensive courtroom knowledge. Richard Gama is a trial attorney who has been practicing since 2005. The firm reports settling 95% of cases out of court while preparing every case as if going to trial. Notable case result: $1.15 million recovery for an elderly couple who sustained permanent brain damage and other injuries from a faulty furnace. The firm serves Aurora, Denver, and throughout Colorado.
Location: Aurora, Colorado (serving Denver metro area and all of Colorado)
Contact: Contact via website | https://gamalawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free no-pressure consultation; contingency fee arrangement.
5. The Wilhite Law Firm
Practice Focus: Personal injury including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, and wrongful death cases.
Case Types Handled: Auto collisions, commercial truck crashes, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian incidents, bicycle crashes, distracted driving accidents, drunk driving crashes, speeding accidents, and wrongful death claims arising from motor vehicle fatalities.
Legal Services: Accident investigation, police report acquisition, witness interviewing, evidence collection and preservation, insurance claim negotiation, medical records coordination, demand letter preparation, settlement negotiation, civil litigation, and trial representation.
Background: The Wilhite Law Firm has been helping injury victims for over 40 years and has built a reputation for providing quality representation throughout Colorado. The firm has an experienced legal team dedicated to recovering compensation for clients. The firm handles cases from initial investigation through trial if necessary. The firm serves clients in Aurora and throughout Colorado.
Location: Aurora, Colorado (serving all of Colorado)
Contact: Contact via website | https://www.wilhitelawfirm.com/aurora/car-accident-lawyer/
Consultation: Free case evaluation; contingency fee basis.
Car Accident Laws and Regulations in Colorado
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Under Colorado Revised Statutes Section 13-80-101(1)(n), car accident personal injury claims have a three-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident. This applies specifically to tort actions arising out of the use or operation of a motor vehicle. Failing to file within this period bars the claim.
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Property damage claims arising from car accidents in Colorado are also subject to a three-year statute of limitations under the same motor vehicle accident provisions.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Wrongful death claims in Colorado must be filed within two years from the date of the victim’s death under Colorado Revised Statutes Section 13-80-102(1)(d). This deadline runs from the date of death, which may be different from the accident date if death occurs later from accident-related injuries.
Fault vs. No-Fault State Status: Colorado is a traditional at-fault (tort) state for car accidents. The person who caused the accident is financially responsible for the damages suffered by others. This means injured parties pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s liability insurance rather than their own insurance for injury claims.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence system under Colorado Revised Statutes Section 13-21-111. An injured person can recover damages if they are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, if the injured party is found to be 50% or more at fault, they are completely barred from recovering any compensation. If the injured party is less than 50% at fault, their damages are reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if damages total $100,000 and the injured party is 30% at fault, recovery would be reduced to $70,000.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: Colorado requires all drivers to carry the following minimum liability insurance coverage under Colorado law:
Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries caused to others.
Property Damage Liability: $15,000 per accident for damage to others’ property.
Medical Payments Coverage: $5,000 minimum (covers medical expenses regardless of fault).
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Colorado does not require drivers to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. However, insurance companies are required to offer this coverage to policyholders. Drivers may decline UM/UIM coverage in writing. This coverage protects insured drivers when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance to cover damages.
Damage Caps: Colorado imposes caps on non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in personal injury cases. The caps are adjusted periodically and range from approximately $250,000 to $1,500,000 depending on the nature of the case. There are separate caps for wrongful death claims. Economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages are not capped. Punitive damages may be available in cases involving willful and wanton conduct but are generally capped at the amount of actual damages.
Dram Shop Liability Laws: Colorado has a dram shop law that allows injured parties to pursue claims against bars, restaurants, or other establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated persons or minors who subsequently cause accidents. Dram shop claims are subject to a damage cap of $150,000 under certain circumstances.
Vicarious Liability Rules for Vehicle Owners: Colorado follows the permissive use doctrine, meaning vehicle owners may be held liable for accidents caused by persons operating the vehicle with the owner’s permission. This can extend to family members, employees, and other permissive users.
Accident Reporting Requirements: Under Colorado Revised Statutes Section 42-4-1606, drivers must report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Reports should be made to the nearest office of the local police or sheriff’s department. Accident reports create important documentation for insurance claims and litigation.
Seatbelt Laws: Colorado requires front seat occupants to wear seatbelts. Failure to wear a seatbelt may be considered in comparative negligence determinations and could reduce a plaintiff’s recovery.
Claims Against Government Entities: Claims against Colorado state or local government entities are subject to the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act. Notice must be filed within 182 days of the accident. Claims against the state must be filed with the Colorado Attorney General; claims against local governments must be filed with the governing body or its attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit in Colorado?
Colorado provides three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit arising from a car crash. This deadline is established by Colorado Revised Statutes Section 13-80-101(1)(n), which specifically governs tort actions arising from motor vehicle operation. If you miss this deadline, you will likely be permanently barred from pursuing compensation through the courts. Property damage claims also follow the three-year deadline. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is two years from the date of death. It is important to consult with an attorney well before the deadline approaches, as building a strong case requires time for evidence gathering, witness interviews, and medical documentation.
How does Colorado’s modified comparative negligence rule affect my car accident claim?
Colorado’s modified comparative negligence rule under Colorado Revised Statutes Section 13-21-111 allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, but only if your fault is less than 50%. If you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation. If you are less than 50% at fault, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury determines your damages are $100,000 but you were 25% responsible for the accident, your recovery would be reduced to $75,000. Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys commonly argue that the injured party shares fault to reduce or eliminate liability, making documentation and witness statements critical to protecting your claim.
What are the minimum insurance requirements for drivers in Colorado?
Colorado requires all drivers to maintain minimum liability insurance coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident (commonly expressed as 25/50/15). Additionally, drivers must carry at least $5,000 in medical payments (MedPay) coverage, which pays for medical expenses regardless of who was at fault. Colorado does not require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, but insurers must offer it and drivers may only decline it in writing. Because minimum coverage limits may be insufficient for serious accidents, many attorneys recommend purchasing higher coverage limits and adding UM/UIM protection.
What steps should I take immediately after a car accident in Aurora?
After a car accident in Aurora, you should: (1) Call 911 to report the accident and request police response, especially if there are injuries or property damage exceeds $1,000; (2) Seek medical attention promptly, even if injuries seem minor, as some injuries have delayed symptoms and medical documentation is essential for your claim; (3) Document the accident scene by taking photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries; (4) Exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers involved; (5) Obtain names and contact information for any witnesses; (6) Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you; (7) File a report with the Aurora Police Department if officers did not respond to the scene; (8) Notify your insurance company about the accident; and (9) Contact a car accident attorney before giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters or accepting any settlement offers.
How do I file a claim against a government vehicle in Colorado?
Claims against Colorado government entities, including accidents involving city, county, or state vehicles and employees, are governed by the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act. You must file a written notice of claim within 182 days (approximately six months) of the accident date. For claims against the State of Colorado or state employees, notice must be filed with the Colorado Attorney General. For claims against local governments (cities, counties, special districts), notice must be filed with the governing body or its designated attorney. The notice must describe the basis of the claim, the time and place of the incident, and the nature of the injuries. Failure to file proper notice within the deadline will bar your claim. Government entities may have immunity from certain types of claims, and damage caps may apply. Due to these strict procedural requirements and short deadlines, consulting with an attorney immediately after an accident involving a government vehicle is strongly recommended.